Engagement Ring Shopping Checklist – Don’t Shop For a Ring Without This List!

Your Engagement Ring Shopping Checklist

Congratulations! You’ve decided to take the plunge and propose marriage to your significant other. This is an extremely exciting process and we’re glad to be able to share with you our top tips for how to properly shop for an engagement ring.

There are many things you need to consider when shopping for an engagement ring. We’ve helped thousands of people create the perfect custom engagement ring and we’ve developed a short-hand checklist to help you prepare for your own engagement ring shopping experience.

Read on to see our top Engagement Ring Shopping List items!

Engagement Ring Checklist Item 1: Budget

The first thing you need to determine is your budget. It’s long been the popular thought that you want to spend two months salary on an engagement ring. This is false.

What if you make a ton of money and you don’t want to spend that much? What if you don’t make any money at all and you can’t spend that much?

What do you do?

Picture a number in your head that’s too much for an engagement ring in your opinion. Got it? OK, now take off 10% of that number. Still too much? Take off another 10%. Keep doing that until you finally get to a number that you’re comfortable with. You have your number.

An engagement ring is a symbol of your commitment and it should be enough of an expense to make you nervous but it should not become a burden and a source of stress. You don’t want to spend too much on the ring and then resent it later. That’s a bad foundation for any marriage to start off on. So if it’s not fun, don’t spend a ton of money on the ring.

Bottom line: there’s no set standard amount to spend on an engagement ring. Just like every diamond is unique and different, so is every couple and you should spend an amount that you’re comfortable with but also demonstrates enough of a commitment to show you’re serious.

Engagement Ring Checklist Item 2: Shape

This one is fairly easy but it’s very important! What kind of shape does your S.O. want for their engagement ring? Round? Square? Princess? If you don’t know yet, check out our link here which walks you through the different types of cuts available to you.

The options for creating a custom engagement ring are endless so if you don’t know specifics, we always advise our clients to err on the side of simplicity. You can always change the setting to something more elaborate after you have proposed and she has accepted your hand in marriage!

Engagement Ring Checklist Item 4: Finger Size

Getting the finger size can be challenging, especially if you’re planning on the engagement being a surprise.

Here’s a tip you’ll thank us for: DON’T use an online ring-sizer. Don’t. Just don’t. There are several reasons for this and the most prolific one is this: online ring-sizers are notorious for being inaccurate and it is better to get a ring that’s too big initially and size the ring down if needs be by taking away materials versus having to remake the entire ring from scratch.

Another reason to not use an online ring-sizer is this: I know your lady love will want to get that ring on her finger ASAP but if it’s too small, it will get stuck on her finger and you might end up in the emergency room getting it cut off. This happened to a client of ours not too long ago. He inaccurately guessed her ring size and she wanted that engagement picture so bad that she forced the ring on her finger and they ended up spending $600 bucks in the ER to get it cut off, not to mention the cost of having to remake the band.

You can resize most engagement rings without an issue but contact us to learn more about sizing and how to properly guestimate if you’re not sure.

Engagement Ring Checklist Item 5: Timeline

The last thing you need to consider before you start creating her dream engagement ring is the timeline that you are on. If you’re planning on having ring made before you leave for a trip in two week’s time, you need to get going ASAP! Some rings take longer to make than others due to the complexity of their designs and how intricately detailed they are.

A good rule of thumb is to start your shopping at least six to eight weeks in advance of when you want to propose. That way you can ensure your ring isn’t rushed and all of the details will be just right.

Contact Concierge Diamonds

ABOUT CONCIERGE DIAMONDS

Concierge Diamonds has been called the best-kept secret in unique and custom engagement rings in Los Angeles.
Founder Dan Moran is well-known for his diamond expertise and works with clients all over the world. His work and advice has been featured in Vogue, Modern Luxury, Brides, Huff Post, Bridal Guide Magazine & more. Contact us for a free consultation today.